Come on, show me the money!

Individual producers still exist and, in many ways, still rule. Remember Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s MunnaBhai films and 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan Production’s Taare Zameen Par? Big production houses not only understand the business, they also back some of the best films.

But corporate houses tend to be more prolific, which is why this list reads the way it does. From 39-year-old Yash Raj Films to two-year-old Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Hindi cinema has seen quite a transition. Big budget films do not necessarily rule. Small, tight budgets riding on great storytelling often have the advantage.

Yash Raj Films

Industry vintage: 39 years

Helmed by: Aditya Chopra, Yash Chopra

Net Box office collections (last five films)

Lafangey Parindey: Rs 21.76 cr

Band Baaja Baaraat: Rs 20 cr

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan: Rs 58.62 cr

Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl: Rs 32.87 cr

Ishaqzaade: Rs 45 cr

Total: Rs 178.25 cr

Expert opinions

Trade pundit Vajir Singh: They have been ruling the industry for decades. After Darr (1993), then Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge (1995), there was no looking back. Yash Chopra and son Aditya Chopra converted to the studio model eight years ago, which helped establish them as a brand. They recover money even if a movie doesn’t do well. Their strength is working within a good budget.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh: The three big Khans are working with them this year. Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra have proved their mettle. They provide pure entertainment.

Directors under banner: Besides established directors, they also sign new talent. They have worked with the likes of Kunal Kohli, Shaad Ali, Siddharth Anand, Shimit Amin, Kabir Khan and Pradeep Sarkar, among the others.

Balaji Motion Pictures

Industry vintage: 11 years

Helmed by: Ekta Kapoor

Net Box office collections (last five films)

Love Sex Aur Dhokha: Rs 9.78 cr

Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai: Rs 55.46 cr

Shor In The City: Rs 4.79 cr

Ragini MMS: Rs 11.88 cr

The Dirty Picture: Rs 77.30 cr

Total: Rs 438 cr

Expert opinions

Taran Adarsh: She chooses diverse subjects and varied genres of films. Ekta is very enterprising, gutsy and defies norms.

Vajir Singh: She realised the need to know her target audience. For instance, Shor in the City was a multiplex movie that wouldn’t work in Raipur. It would only work in upmarket areas. So she kept a check on her budget. This is what has made her successful.

Dharma Productions

Industry vintage: 36 years

Helmed by: Karan Johar

Net Box office collections (last five films)

Kurbaan: Rs 27 cr

I Hate Luv Storys: Rs 43.17 cr

We Are Family: Rs 21.63 cr

Agneepath: Rs 122.61 cr

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu: Rs 40 cr

Total: Rs 254.41 cr

Expert opinions

Vajir Singh: Karan is like his father Yash Johar. People used to love Yashji as a human being. The same goes for him. For the Khans, Dharma is like family.

Taran Adarsh: They have promoted diverse kinds of cinema and now have also strengthened their space in the commercial market with Rowdy Rathore.

Vajir Singh: The banner is known to make commercial and intelligent cinema. After Paan Singh Tomar, they will do Ghanchakkar — a black comedy. They have also produced films like Delhi Belly and Rowdy Rathore. It’s a mixed bouquet: that’s made their position stronger.

Viacom18 Motion Pictures

Industry vintage: Two years

Helmed by: Vikram Malhotra

Net Box office collections (last five films)

Players: Rs 29 cr

Kahaani: Rs 53.74 cr

Department: Rs 11.77 cr

Blood Money: Rs 8.33 cr

Gangs Of Wasseypur: Rs 12 cr

Total: Rs 114.84 cr

Expert opinions

Taran Adarsh: Very daring as producers and have been associated with good cinema.

Vajir Singh: No one expected Kahaani to become so big. When they took on Gangs of Wasseypur, they spent on excess luggage to carry gamchas with them as promotion material. The way they promote even small films like Bittoo Boss is interesting. Without any stars, the film made Rs 1.67 cr.

Vajir Singh: They play safe. They lost money in some movies earlier but recovered it all with 3 Idiots. They backed Bodyguard and Singham. They are also doing small films, but they invest only when they are sure of the project.